The nerve of some people. It’s a simple breakup! Why does he not want to sell me oranges as well?
Ella shrugged apologetically, giving Rayna a look that seemed to imply, “I’ve done my best. There’s nothing else I can do.” She then said, “Ms. Garland, Faymon Group is such a large company. I can understand why they wouldn’t want to work with us, but if we want to ask for help, we need to pay the price. I’ve compiled a list since there are so many other decent brand strategy companies out there. Should I send you a copy?”
Rayna went silent for a moment before waving a hand. “There’s no need. I’ll have that sorted out. You can get back to work.”
When Rayna got back to the office, she set about taking care of important business.
It was only around noon that she called Jasmine.
“Hi, Rayna!” Jasmine answered the phone very quickly. With a smile, she asked, “I’ve seen the news. Are you working for Glory now?”
“Yes, I’ve been here for two days now,’ replied Rayna with a giggle. “Are you busy? Why don’t we meet up for a meal?”
“I’m not busy. Let’s meet at Red Bricks Restaurant!”
“Sure thing!”
Rayna immediately asked Ella to draw up a contract. After receiving it, she went to the garage and drove away.
The drive took a mere ten minutes since Red Bricks Restaurant was so close to the financial district.
After being led by the waiter to the second floor, Rayna soon spotted Jasmine, who was sitting by the window. She immediately strode over to greet the latter.
Jasmine also noticed Rayna. When the latter arrived, Jasmine gave her the once-over and pushed the menu toward her. “I’ve not seen you for a few months, and you seem to be glowing! Is the air abroad a lot kinder than it is here?”
“My, my. Are you implying that I’ve gained weight?” Rayna gave Jasmine a sideways glance and pulled the chair out before taking a seat.
“I swear on the heavens that I’m speaking the truth!”
“I’m not sure if the air is much better, but I can say that I’ve been eating very well.”
Rayna then engaged in small talk while she ordered food.
When she was done, Rayna pushed the menu aside and asked, “Has Jessie been in contact with you, lately?”
Jasmine shook her head. “No. I’ve tried calling her before but could never reach her.” Jasmine then picked up her glass and added, “My assistant went to Faymon Group to deliver something and I asked her to enquire about Jessica. She came back and told me that Jessica had apparently quit Faymon Group ages ago.”
“She’s pregnant. I think she’s going to focus on her pregnancy now.”
Jasmine paused mid-sip and looked at Rayna in shock. “Really? When did that happen?”
“It happened shortly after my stint in Yartran.” Rayna considered Jasmine a friend since they had known each other for a very long time. As such, Rayna decided to tell Jasmine about everything that happened this month.
Rayna was quite thirsty by the time she finished recounting the whole tale. She picked up her glass and took a few sips of water but noticed that Jasmine was still shocked. “Is it that hard to process what I just told you?” asked Rayna amusedly.
“You only left the country for a brief spell, yet so much has happened.” Jasmine breathed deeply. With the same shocked expression, she asked, “Curtis knew why you went abroad, right? Did he not seek you out?”
Rayna’s eyes were downcast as she replied, “We broke up.”
Rayna did not disclose the bit where Curtis went to Yartran to pick up Kristie. She also did not feel the need to do so.
Rayna then chose to change the subject. “Two days ago, when I went to Glory, I noticed Wyatt in his sports car. There was a woman sitting in the passenger seat, feeding him something to drink.”
“Were you mistaken, by any chance?” Jasmine stroked her chin thoughtfully and added, “I ran into Wyatt at a cocktail reception once, but he never brought a female companion along. I figured he was pretty loyal.”
Rayna laughed icily. “I’m not color blind. I still know what Jessie looks like.”
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